School Counseling/CWA Program Funding

The Golden State Teacher Grant now includes pupil personnel services (PPS), which allows school counselors, those seeking the Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) PPS Authorization, and school psychologists to participate in this one-time grant fund opportunity.  

Who Qualifies for the Golden State Teacher Grant? 

Students participating in a professional preparation program leading to a California pupil personnel services (PPS) credential, or the CWA pupil personnel services add-on credential authorization, can apply to the Golden State Teacher Grant Program if they are pursuing their degree at a CTC-approved institution such as LMU School of Education. Eligible applicants can receive a one-time grant of up to $10,000. Students must plan to work in a California public school designated as a “priority school” (see below) for four years after graduation. 

• Students enrolled in the following programs qualify:
  • M.A./PPS in School Counseling
  • PPS CWA-Add-On Authorization
  • Ed.S. in School Psychology
  • Teacher Education & Special Education. 
• Enrollment timeline: Students who have applied for enrollment on or after January 1, 2020 are eligible to participate in the grant. 
• Incoming students: CASC is  currently working to develop a process by which students that express interest to enroll in a preliminary teaching credential or PPS credential may submit a request for a pre-enrollment conditional award notice. This will allow students to plan ahead so that they can earmark grant funds towards their tuition. 

What Are the Grant Requirements?  

Before accepting the Golden State Teacher Grant, all PPS/CWA applicants must agree to the terms and conditions of the grant agreement. In addition to completing program requirements, the agreement requires recipients to fulfill several conditions: 

• Work at a priority school. The grant requires students to work in California at a priority school for at least two years within the four years following the date the student completes the professional preparation program.
• Maintain good academic standing. Grant recipients must maintain good academic standing while they are enrolled with us. Students must complete their program and earn a preliminary credential within three years after the first distribution of grant funds. 

As with most grant agreements, if recipients of Golden State Teacher Grants do not fulfill each of these obligations within the allotted time frame, they must repay the grant reward in part or in full. See the GSTG website for more details. 

What Are the Steps to Apply? 

1. Optional: Watch our Counseling Programs Graduate Open House first to learn more about our faculty, staff and curriculum in the School Counseling Program.
2. Apply to our eligible CTC-approved LMU School of Education’s program, such as the MA/PP School Counseling Program or Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) PPS Add-On Authorization Program (for those with a valid PPS credential) by submitting your application here.
3. Be accepted into and enroll in Loyola Marymount University. 
4. Apply for the Golden State Teacher Grant. 
5. California Student Aid Commission will notify LMU’s Financial Aid Office of your accepted application. 
6. LMU’s School of Education will notify you once your grant funds become available.